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Representative John Dingell to receive Honorary Award for his efforts to pass the Endangered Species Act

Award to be presented at Environmental Community 40th Anniversary of the ESA Celebration

Washington, D.C. (November 13, 2013) — Defenders of Wildlife Senior Vice President for Conservation Programs Don Barry will present Representative John Dingell with an honorary award on behalf of the ESA Coalition for the critical role that he played in securing the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973. The award will be presented at a 40th anniversary celebration of the Act hosted by the environmental community and other partner organizations on November 13, 2013. Below is a statement from Mr. Barry:

“Rep. John Dingell is one of our nation’s most dedicated environmental stewards. Throughout his entire Congressional career, he has demonstrated the foresight and wisdom needed to craft sound imperiled species conservation policy in this country.

“It was under Rep. Dingell’s leadership that most of our modern day wildlife conservation laws were enacted, including the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and most importantly, the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Simply put, there would be no Endangered Species Act today, if it were not for John Dingell and his vision and courage. He is truly one of the greatest conservation leaders Congress has ever known and I am honored to be able to recognize his outstanding work with this award today.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than one million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter@DefendersNews.

If past strong anti-wildlife conservation efforts and horrible voting records are any indication, we should expect the new wave of Senate leaders will pursue a radical and sweeping assault on America’s wildlife and public lands.